Computer assisted qualitative data analysis

The article summarizes some of the approaches, tactics, and tools to describe ways that researchers can qualitatively analyze qualitative data. A short background to the development of Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysisSoftware packages leads to the parameters of the software category described. Elements of project planning and different aspects of managing qualitative data are discussed with emphasis given to developing functionality and the various types of data which can now be integrated and incorporated. Descriptions of the ways that specific and generally available types of tools within software can help aims to promote the idea that the researcher can individually choose the tools which will support a chosen analytic direction. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved